#133 Trade is change – sales depot
You push your shopping trolley through the supermarket. Your mind is on autopilot. You just want to get everything done quickly, but then you stop. In front of a coffee shelf.
This is where Valentine's job begins.
Our mini-series "Working in Coffee Paradise" continues, and this time it takes us to the place where purchasing decisions are often made in a fraction of a second: the food retail sector. In the new episode of our podcast "5 Cups a Day", we talk to Valentin Marinovic, Team Leader Coffee Depot at Tchibo. He is responsible for the brand presence of Tchibo and Eduscho coffee in supermarkets – exactly where autopilot suddenly becomes gut feeling.
Because 70% of all purchasing decisions are made in the supermarket – and around 80% of them are emotional.
Visibility is no coincidence
Valentin ensures that our coffees don't just sit on the shelf, but make an impact. Whether it's shelf organisation, displays, promotions or placement – everything contributes to one question:
Are you staying or are you moving on?
In the podcast, Valentin explains why:
- we usually shop on autopilot
- Faces, order and sometimes even "mass" work particularly well
- A missing price tag is the absolute worst-case scenario in retail.
- and why successful setup at the POS feels like "shooting the ball into the goal from the penalty spot"
From the store at 6 a.m. to headquarters
Valentin's career in sales began early – including shifts in the warehouse, fruit pallets and getting up very early in the morning. A dual study programme at Lidl eventually led him to Tchibo.
These experiences continue to shape him today. They help him to talk to retailers on an equal footing – because he knows what everyday life on the shop floor feels like.
Or as Valentin himself puts it:
"Sales is in my DNA."
Coffee rituals & new perspectives
Of course, it's also about coffee:
filter coffee in the morning, espresso after lunch, decaf in the afternoon – and why decaffeinated coffee is no longer a compromise. Plus: our new "5 cups a day" speed round.
And then there's a second job that requires at least as much structure.
When there really is a fire
In addition to his job at Tchibo, Valentin volunteers with the fire brigade. He talks about night-time call-outs, patrols during the harbour birthday celebrations, capsized boats – and why calmness, organisation and teamwork are vital during operations.
What do the fire brigade and sales have in common? More than you might think.
This episode offers a glimpse behind the scenes of trade and distribution – and into a job that has a significant influence on what we see in the supermarket. It's well worth a listen!
Fancy working in coffee paradise?
Then take a look at the current job opportunities on the Tchibo careers page and follow @tchibo_karriere on Instagram for even more insights.
Psst... In the next episode of our mini-series "Working in Coffee Paradise," we will be presenting the next exciting job at Tchibo. Stay tuned!
